Zion Shores: New Luxury Community in Southern Utah

Key Takeaways

  • Zion Shores is a residential community in Hurricane, Utah, centered around a surf lagoon, offering a waterfront lifestyle in the desert.
  • The community provides resort-style amenities and is designed as a basecamp for adventure, prioritizing privacy, design, and an elevated lifestyle.
  • The 9-acre surf lagoon offers consistent waves for various skill levels and supports activities like paddleboarding and swimming, with resort-style amenities.

A New Kind of Luxury Living in Southern Utah

Southern Utah has long been defined by its dramatic red rock landscapes, endless outdoor recreation, and proximity to some of the most iconic national parks in the country. 

For years, luxury living in this region has meant custom desert homes, sweeping views, and easy access to hiking, biking, and off-road trails.

Now, a new development is reshaping what high-end living can look like in this part of the state.

Zion Shores is a first-of-its-kind residential community in Hurricane, Utah, designed around a massive surf lagoon that brings a true waterfront lifestyle to the desert. 

Instead of traditional lakes or golf courses, Zion Shores centers the entire neighborhood around crystal-clear water, consistent surfable waves, and resort-style amenities typically found in coastal destinations.

Located just minutes from Zion National Park and a short drive to St. George, Zion Shores positions itself as more than a luxury subdivision. It is designed as a “basecamp” for people who want adventure at their doorstep, but also value privacy, design-forward homes, and an elevated lifestyle.

What makes Zion Shores especially compelling is its ability to bridge two worlds. On one side, you have Southern Utah’s rugged outdoor environment. 

On the other hand, a controlled, private surf-and-beach experience that eliminates the unpredictability, crowds, and seasonal limitations of the ocean. The result is a community that feels both exclusive and intentionally built for modern living.

In the sections ahead, we’ll break down exactly how Zion Shores works, what types of homes and lots are available, how pricing is structured, and who this community is best suited for, so you can decide whether this new wave of luxury desert living is worth a closer look.

Where Is Zion Shores Located?

Zion Shores Location

Zion Shores is located in Hurricane, a rapidly growing community in Southern Utah, between Zion National Park and St. George.

This location is a big part of the appeal.

  • Zion National Park: Roughly 20 minutes away, making it easy to access world-class hiking, climbing, and sightseeing without living in a heavy tourist zone.
  • St. George: About 15–20 minutes away, offering shopping, dining, healthcare, golf, and regional airport access.
  • Highway Access: Quick access to I-15 makes travel to Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, and surrounding recreation areas straightforward.

Hurricane has become a popular choice for luxury developments because it offers more space, newer infrastructure, and fewer crowds than St. George proper, while still being close to everything. For buyers who want proximity without congestion, it strikes a strong balance.

The Vision Behind Zion Shores: Surf Meets the Desert

Zion Shores was designed around a simple but bold idea: bring a true waterfront, surf-centered lifestyle to the desert, without relying on natural lakes or coastal access.

Instead of building around a golf course or passive water feature, the community is centered on a purpose-built surf lagoon that delivers consistent, rideable waves in a controlled environment. This allows residents to surf, paddleboard, swim, or relax by the water year-round, without crowds, tides, or unpredictable conditions.

The vision goes beyond surfing itself. Zion Shores is meant to function as a private, resort-style basecamp where outdoor adventure and everyday living coexist. Residents can spend the morning hiking in Zion National Park, then return home to a beach-style setting that feels more like a coastal retreat than a desert neighborhood.

Every design decision, from the lagoon layout to the shoreline access, supports an active but relaxed lifestyle. The result is a community built for people who value experiences, not just square footage, and who want something fundamentally different from traditional Southern Utah luxury developments.

The Surf Lagoon & Water Amenities

At the center of Zion Shores is a 9-acre, pool-quality surf lagoon designed to deliver consistent, clean conditions in a fully controlled environment. This is not a natural lake; it’s engineered specifically for recreation, clarity, and usability.

The lagoon supports multiple activities, making it accessible to more than just surfers:

  • Surfing: Consistent, repeatable waves designed for a range of skill levels, from beginners learning fundamentals to experienced riders looking for reliable sessions.
  • Paddleboarding & Swimming: Calm shoreline areas allow low-impact use, making the lagoon accessible to all ages.
  • Tapered Shoreline Access: Gradual entry points make it feel more like a beach than a pool, ideal for families and casual use.

Beyond the water itself, the lagoon is surrounded by resort-style amenities that turn it into a social hub rather than just a feature:

  • Private cabanas
  • Community gathering areas and grills
  • Walkable shoreline paths and seating areas

Because the lagoon is private and resident-focused, it avoids the congestion and unpredictability often associated with public surf parks or resort pools. For homeowners, this means reliable access, cleaner conditions, and a quieter overall experience.

Resort-Style Community Amenities

Zion-Shores Resort-Style Community Amenities

Zion Shores is designed to operate more like a private resort than a traditional neighborhood. The amenities are intentionally concentrated around the lagoon, creating a shared social space that feels active without being crowded.

Residents have access to beach club–style features that support both everyday use and entertaining:

  • Private Cabanas: Shaded spaces along the lagoon for relaxing, hosting friends, or spending full days by the water.
  • Community Grills & Gathering Areas: Designed for casual meals, social events, and family-friendly use.
  • Walkable Shoreline Paths: Easy access around the lagoon encourages daily use rather than occasional visits.
  • Planned Boutique Elements: Small-scale retail or service spaces intended to support the resort atmosphere without turning the community commercial.

What sets these amenities apart is their scale and intent. With only 65 total homes in the community, shared spaces are not designed for high traffic or outside visitors. Everything is sized for residents, which helps preserve the private, relaxed feel.

Rather than adding amenities for show, Zion Shores focuses on features that encourage time spent outdoors, social interaction, and regular use, making the community feel lived-in, not staged.

Real Estate Overview: Lots, Homes, and Ownership Options

The real estate at Zion Shores is intentionally limited. The entire community spans approximately 30 acres and includes just 65 waterfront lots, all oriented toward the lagoon. This low-density layout is a key part of the development’s appeal.

Rather than offering a mix of interior and premium lots, Zion Shores is designed so that every home has direct access and water views. The layout emphasizes privacy, sightlines, and a true “backyard lagoon” experience, where the water feels like an extension of each property.

Key real estate characteristics include:

  • Waterfront-Only Homesites: No interior or non-lagoon lots
  • Carefully Planned Spacing: Homes are positioned to preserve views and minimize crowding
  • Residential Ownership: Designed for personal use rather than high-volume rental turnover

Zion Shores is not a master-planned community with hundreds of homes or phased expansion. The limited number of lots helps maintain a quiet, exclusive atmosphere and protects the neighborhood’s long-term character.

For buyers, this means fewer available opportunities but also a more controlled, intentional living environment compared to larger resort-style developments.

Lot Sizes, Home Types, and Custom Build Options

Zion Shores Plot

Zion Shores offers waterfront lots ranging from approximately 0.18 to 0.35 acres, providing enough space for thoughtfully designed custom homes without the sprawl of oversized estates. The focus is on efficient luxury homes that prioritize views, flow, and indoor-outdoor living.

What buyers can expect from the build options:

  • Custom Homes: Lots are intended for custom construction, allowing owners to tailor layouts, finishes, and outdoor spaces.
  • Modern Desert Architecture: Clean lines, natural materials, and designs that complement the Southern Utah landscape.
  • Indoor–Outdoor Living: Large sliding doors, covered patios, outdoor kitchens, and direct lagoon-facing spaces are a natural fit.
  • Water-Oriented Layouts: Homes are positioned to maximize lagoon views and easy shoreline access rather than rear-facing water features.

Lot size variation typically affects home footprint, outdoor living space, and shoreline frontage, giving buyers flexibility based on lifestyle rather than forcing a one-size-fits-all approach.

This setup appeals to homeowners who want a primary residence or second home that feels intentional and experience-driven, rather than oversized or purely status-focused.

Zion Shores Pricing Overview

Pricing at Zion Shores reflects its position as a limited, resort-style waterfront community rather than a traditional subdivision. With only 65 lagoon-front homesites, values are driven by scarcity, direct water access, and the potential for custom homes.

Lot Pricing (High-Level)

  • Waterfront Lots: Pricing generally falls into the upper luxury tier for Southern Utah, with lagoon frontage being the primary value driver.
  • Price Variables:
    • Amount of lagoon frontage
    • Lot size (.18–.35 acres)
    • Proximity to amenities and shoreline access points
  • Availability: Inventory is limited, and pricing can shift based on demand and remaining lot selection.

(Exact pricing and availability are subject to change and should be confirmed directly with the developer or sales team.)

Home Construction Costs

Because Zion Shores is designed for custom homes, the total investment typically includes:

  • Lot purchase
  • Custom home design and construction
  • Outdoor living features (patios, pools, cabanas, shoreline access)

Build costs will vary widely based on:

  • Square footage (starting at $350 per SQ.FT)
  • Home prices will be in the range of $1.5 – $1.8 million for lots, with luxury floor plans available
  • You can also co-own a townhome starting at $430,000
  • Architectural complexity
  • Materials and finishes
  • Indoor – outdoor features facing the lagoon

How Pricing Compares Regionally

Compared to other luxury communities in Southern Utah, Zion Shores stands apart because:

  • Every lot is waterfront
  • The lagoon is a functional amenity, not decorative
  • The community size is intentionally small

Who Zion Shores Is Best For

Zion Shore Property

Zion Shores is designed for a very specific type of buyer, one who values lifestyle and experience as much as the home itself. It is not meant to appeal to everyone, and that intentional focus is part of its appeal.

This community is especially well-suited for:

  • Primary Residents Seeking Something Different
    Homeowners who want everyday access to water, outdoor recreation, and social spaces, without living in a large, high-traffic development.
  • Second-Home Owners
    Buyers looking for a desert retreat that still offers a resort-style experience, particularly those who split time between Southern Utah and coastal or urban areas.
  • Outdoor-Focused Families
    Those who enjoy hiking, biking, national parks, and water activities, and want a community where kids and adults can be active without leaving the neighborhood.
  • Remote Workers & Flexible Professionals
    Individuals who value quality of life and unique surroundings while working remotely, with access to St. George amenities and airports.

Zion Shores may be less ideal for buyers seeking:

  • Large, gated master-planned communities
  • High-density rental or short-term vacation neighborhoods
  • Traditional golf-course or country-club living

The community is designed to feel intentional, private, and experience-driven rather than mass-market or investment-focused.

How Zion Shores Fits Into Southern Utah’s Growth

Southern Utah has seen steady growth over the past decade, driven by outdoor tourism, remote work flexibility, and a rising demand for lifestyle-focused communities. 

Cities like Hurricane have become attractive alternatives to larger metro areas, offering space, scenery, and access to recreation without the congestion.

Zion Shores reflects a broader shift in what buyers are looking for:

  • Experience-Based Living: Homes are no longer just about square footage; buyers want amenities that shape how they spend their time.
  • Destination-Quality Communities: Developments are increasingly designed to feel like retreats rather than just neighborhoods.
  • Water as a Premium Amenity: In desert regions, access to high-quality water is rare, making lagoon-centered communities especially appealing.

The proximity to Zion National Park and St. George strengthens Zion Shores’ position. Residents can enjoy world-class outdoor access while living in a private, purpose-built environment that isn’t dependent on seasonal tourism.

As Southern Utah continues to attract full-time residents and second-home buyers, developments like Zion Shores highlight where the market is heading, toward fewer homes, higher quality, and more intentional design.

Things to Consider Before Buying at Zion Shores

Before committing to a home at Zion Shores, buyers should understand a few practical factors.

  • HOA Structure:
    As a resort-style community, an HOA is expected to manage lagoon operations, amenities, and shared spaces. Fees typically reflect the maintenance of water features, cabanas, and common areas.
  • Lagoon Use Guidelines:
    Access to the surf lagoon and shoreline amenities will likely follow community rules designed to balance privacy, safety, and fair usage for all residents.
  • Custom Build Timelines:
    Because homes are custom-built, buyers should plan for longer timelines compared to production neighborhoods. Design reviews and architectural standards help preserve the community’s overall look and feel.
  • Climate & Seasonal Use:
    Southern Utah’s climate allows for extended outdoor and water use, but seasonal temperature swings may influence how often certain amenities are used throughout the year.
  • Long-Term Intent:
    Zion Shores is designed as a lifestyle-focused residential community, not a high-turnover vacation rental environment. Buyers should view it as a place to live and spend time, not just hold as an investment.

Understanding these elements upfront helps ensure expectations align with the experience Zion Shores is built to deliver.

Is Zion Shores Worth Exploring?

Southern Zion Shore Property

Zion Shores is not a traditional luxury development, and that’s exactly the point. By centering the entire community around a surfable lagoon, it offers something rare in Southern Utah: true waterfront living in a desert environment.

With a limited number of homes, direct lagoon access from every lot, and a design philosophy focused on experience rather than scale, Zion Shores appeals to buyers who want more than just a beautiful house. 

It’s designed for people who value how they spend their time, who want adventure nearby, and who appreciate communities built with intention.

For those drawn to Southern Utah’s red rock landscape but craving water-based recreation, Zion Shores presents a compelling alternative to both traditional desert neighborhoods and crowded resort areas. 

Whether as a primary residence or a second home, it stands out as a distinctive option in an increasingly competitive market.

Zion Shores: Key Details at a Glance

FeatureDetails
LocationHurricane, Utah (near Zion National Park)
Total Community SizeApproximately 30 acres
Water Feature9-acre, pool-quality surf lagoon
Total Homesites65 waterfront lots
Lot SizesApproximately 0.18 – 0.35 acres
Home TypeCustom-built luxury homes
Lifestyle FocusSurfing, paddleboarding, resort-style living

For the most current information on availability, pricing, and development updates, visit the official site at zionshores.com or contact the sales team directly.

Zion Shores: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main benefits of owning property at Zion Shores?

Beyond the stunning Southern Utah views, ownership includes a Surf Club Membership with priority access to the Perfect Swell Surf Park and UNIT dynamic surf waves. 

You also receive complimentary beach access and exclusive use of the private 9-acre community lagoon, which is restricted to only 65 owners and their guests.

How many homes will have access to the lagoon?

To maintain a premium, uncrowded experience, only 65 homes will be built. This limited number ensures that the 9-acre lagoon remains private for residents and their renters.

What are the estimated HOA dues?

While not yet finalized, HOA dues are estimated at $500 to$600 per month. This fee covers half of the lagoon maintenance, with the remaining half supported by the surf wave operations.

Can I buy a lot with friends or family?

Yes. Zion Shores offers flexible ownership models. You can purchase individually, through an LLC (Joint Ownership), or even under a corporation. This makes it easier to share the investment or use the property for corporate retreats.

Can I resell my lot or home?

To ensure community stability during its initial growth, there is a 3-yearhold period from the date of closing before a lot or home can be resold.

How do I secure a lot?

There are two primary ways to reserve your spot:

– Full Lot Purchase: Paying for the lot in full upfront is the most secure way to lock in your price and place in the construction queue.

– $10k Deposit: You can place a deposit to hold a lot, though this does not “guarantee” it until the plat is recorded and the full amount is paid. (Note: Another buyer paying in full can potentially bypass a deposit.

What is the difference between “Premium Select” and “Deluxe Fully Custom” lots?

Premium Select: These lots offer pre-designed luxury floor plans (3,500–7,500 sq. ft.) from award-winning architect Shawn Patton. You choose the layout and finishes.

Deluxe Fully Custom: Only 10 are available. These lots offer maximum flexibility, allowing you to work directly with the architect to design a completely unique luxury estate from the ground up.

Can I use my own builder?

No. To maintain a consistent luxury standard and ensure the integrity of the lagoon-front construction, all building is managed by Zion Shores Development through their vetted, expert builders.

What are the estimated construction costs?

Build costs typically start at around $350 per square foot, depending on the design complexityand the premium finishes selected.

Can I use my home as a short-term rental?

Yes! Zion Shores is expected to be a high-demand destination. However, to maintain the neighborhood’s quality, all rentals must be managed through the exclusive in-house rental agency. Third-party management (like independent Airbnb or VRBO hosting) is not permitted.

Does my membership transfer to renters?

Yes. Your exclusive membership benefits, including priority surf access and unlimited lagoon use, transfer to your guests/renters for the duration of their stay.

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